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Westbrook's power interests D-backs in fifth round

Westbrook's power interests D-backs in fifth round

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By Tyler Emerick
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MLB.com |

PHOENIX -- Taken No. 150 overall in the fifth round on Friday, Jamie Westbrook has a very good feel for hitting, and even with a small frame, the D-backs believe he has the plus bat speed to have average power in the future.

Westbrook, who has good instincts, is very aggressive on the basepaths and should be a solid basestealer in pro ball. Defensively, Westbrook, out of Basha High School in Chandler, Ariz., profiles best at second base and should be an above-average defender there. He also has a great baseball IQ and outstanding makeup.

"We're very happy," said D-backs scouting director Ray Montgomery. "We spent a lot of time with Jamie over the last couple years. He's a really likeable kid and he works his butt off, so to be able to add him is great, and oh by the way, he's got tools and he's talented."

Westbrook batted .434 for Basha in his senior season. Sixteen of his 23 hits were for extra bases, and he had six home runs.

The only issue with Westbrook is that it may be tough to sign him away from Pepperdine. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound infielder signed a national letter of intent in November and is set to arrive on campus in the fall.

Westbrook, was a member of the D-backs Elite Scout team, said when he signed that he committed to Pepperdine for reasons other than baseball. It was a good fit all around for him and his family.

"I think everything will be good there, I don't envision too many problems," said Montgomery of getting Westbrook to sign. "Hometown boy gets to play for his hometown team, I think he's excited."

Tyler Emerick is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.